1. Because you feel like you’re at an age where you should be settled down. There isn’t a specific age when you’re supposed to be married with a mortgage. Some people are going to find the love of their life straight out of high school, and others aren’t going to meet their soulmates until they’re in their thirties or forties. Hitting milestones earlier isn’t as impressive as you think. You’ll reach them when the time is right.

2. Because you feel like you’re unlovable unless someone is currently loving you. Your relationship status doesn’t determine your worth. There are plenty of people who would love to date you, and plenty of people who have dated you in the past, so you know for a fact you aren’t unlovable. You aren’t going to be alone forever. Those are only lies you’re telling yourself because your loneliness is playing tricks on you.

3. Because social media makes you feel like you’re missing out. The couples you see posting on social media might not be as happy as they appear in their pictures. You have no idea what happened during their photoshoot, so don’t let your jealousy get the best of you. After all, most of the sweetest moments in relationships happen when the cameras are off.

4. Because you feel like you’re falling behind your friends. Your friends aren’t your competition. They’re your support network. They should encourage you to do whatever makes you happiest. They shouldn’t shame you for being single. If you’re hanging out with a group of people who make you feel bad about your relationship status, you need to find new friends. Your real ones won’t mind if you’re single or committed as long as you’re happy. And you should feel the same way about them.

5. Because you’re pressured by family to find your match. Just like your friends, your family should care about your happiness above all else. You don’t owe them a son-in-law or any grandkids or a guest room at your house. You’re supposed to do whatever makes you happy. Don’t worry about pleasing them because they’re not in charge. Your decisions are your own.

6. Because you’re conditioned to believe married people are happier. Your relationship status doesn’t determine whether or not you’re happy with your life. There are plenty of couples in unhappy marriages — and there are plenty of happy, funloving single people. Even though it might feel like love would make everything better, that’s not true. You’ll still have problems. You’ll still be you. That’s why it’s important to work on yourself first.

7. Because you’re lonely on your own. Sometimes, it’s hard to stay single when everyone around you is coupled up. However, you don’t want to settle down with the wrong person at an early age. It’s better to wait it out and find the person who is really meant for you. The next time you’re lonely, remember that you have other people in your life who care about you. A relationship isn’t everything. Friends matter, too.